Chuck Cook/The Times-PicayuneThe New Orleans Saints named lineman Jon Stinchcomb as their "Man of the Year."

New Orleans Saints right tackle Jon Stinchcomb was announced as the team's "Man of the Year" on Monday.

That makes him one of 32 candidates for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which announced the day before the Super Bowl.

Stinchcomb has regularly been recognized over the years as one of the most active Saints in the community. He spends almost every Tuesday "off day" during the season visiting schools or hospitals. His efforts have centered around lengthy stays in the pediatric and chemotherapy wards at Children's Hospital of New Orleans and Ochsner Hospital.

He also spearheaded the creation of the "OL 4 NO" Youth Football Camp this past offseason. The entire Saints offensive line runs a free camp for local children, and the group has also purchased 225 bicycles for Christmas, which will be distributed to underprivileged children.

"I think it probably started in my days at Georgia, just realizing the opportunities that are afforded to athletes," said Stinchcomb, an Atlanta native who also has a family foundation with his brother Matt, a former NFL lineman, back home. "There's so many needs out there, and the fact that people want to spend time with us or see us, and the fact that you can brighten a face or lift someone's spirits or whatever it is ...

"My brother and I were both raised with the idea, 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' I'm a big believer in that. And obviously to be able to do what we do is a huge blessing."

"Several of our players were considered for this award, and all were worthy candidates considering the impact they've made on our community," Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc said. "Jon has sought out ways he can make a difference, and with his approach and the way he connects to young people he has been an inspiration with each of his endeavors."

The award is given annually to the player who makes the largest contribution both on and off the field, and it is voted on by members of the media, Saints front office staff and local non-profit and business executives.

Stinchcomb, who has been with the Saints throughout his six-year NFL career, has started every game for the Saints since the start of the 2006 season, when he returned from a major knee injury. He has been an anchor on the league's top-ranked offense over that span, and he has helped the Saints allow the fewest number of sacks in the league over the past three years.

"Jon has concentrated on making his adopted hometown of New Orleans a better place," General Manager Mickey Loomis said. "Tuesdays are his day off, but it's rare when he isn't out in the community. His character and sense of purpose make him a role model for young people. This is a responsibility he takes seriously, and this award is well deserved."

"It's obviously a great recognition of your efforts," Stinchcomb said. "And the way it was explained to me, it's not only community service, but contributions to your team, and that's something I've wanted in my NFL career is to be successful on the field and off the field, and vice versa."